The six crucial Arsenal fixtures Bukayo Saka could miss after nightmare injury blow
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is set to miss some crunch games for the club after devastating injury news for the forward.
Saka was substituted against Leeds with a hamstring problem and the 23-year-old is set to miss a month of action.
The Gunners face a period without Saka last season which partly derailed their title charge, but Mikel Arteta’s summer transfer business means Arsenal are better equipped for injury crises this season.
Arsenal have started the season with two wins from two, with Saka starting each one, a 1-0 win away at Manchester United and a 5-0 thrashing of Leeds at Emirates Stadium.
Bukayo Saka to be absent against title challengers
Arsenal’s next match is against Premier League champions Liverpool, one of the sides that the Gunners will be competing with for the title this season.
The fixtures continue to make for worrying reading without Saka, as Nottingham Forest are welcomed to Emirates Stadium before Arsenal host Manchester City.
Saka will be in a race against time to be fit for that match against Man City or potentially the trip the weekend after to Newcastle, and Arsenal may be relieved that the first international break of the season will limit the games he is absent for.
| Liverpool, Away | August 31 |
| Nottingham Forest, Home | September 13 |
| Champions League Matchday 1 | Sept 16 – 18 |
| Manchester City, Home | September 21 |
| League Cup Third Round | Week Commencing Sept 22 |
| Newcastle United, Away | September 28 |
Arsenal begin their Champions League campaign in mid-September, and the EFL Cup third round will also be a fixture that Saka could miss, but depending on the draw Arteta may be able to navigate the tie without his star winger.
In total, Saka could be absent for six fixtures, and Arsenal’s season could rest on how well they deal without him.
Eberechi Eze arrival eases Bukayo Saka blow
Football Insider Verdict
The positive for Arteta is the increased options the Spaniard now has at his disposal, with the recent arrival of Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace a timely one.
Noni Madueke can deputise for Saka on the right side, whilst Eze can provide the creativity and flair from the left flank.
There are question marks though over Martin Odegaard’s presence against Liverpool, after the Arsenal captain too suffered an injury against Leeds.
If Odegaard is not fit for the fixture at Anfield then Eze will occupy the number 10 position with Gabriel Martinelli starting on the left flank.
Viktor Gyokeres’ two goals against Leeds were also well timed as the striker will be under more pressure to hit the ground running.
Gyokeres can prove his worth with a performance against Liverpool after being criticised for his display Man United.